Algarve nightlife

Algarve nightlife

There’s so much more to the Algarve than its year-round balmy climate, delicious seafood and sun-kissed golden beaches. How about that lively nightlife for a start? From beachside partying and live music to buzzing bars and clubs, the Algarve nightlife in Portugal has something for everyone. Whether you’re after popular dance spots in Albufeira, or Irish bars in Vilamoura marina, here’s some highlights, to visit while away on those warm evenings and will get you dancing until dawn.

Bars

With elegant cocktails, Portuguese wines, local beer, and eye-wateringly strong spirits like Medronho on the drinks menu, there are plenty of great Algarve bars to match your drinking preferences. In central Algarve, head to Bar Havana; located in pretty Carvoeiro, this Cuban-inspired cocktail bar has well-priced cocktails and tasty snacks, all against the backdrop of house music.

For a unique setting, Caniço restaurant-bar in Prainha Alvor serves up a large selection of traditionally prepared fish dishes, before switching to a more party atmosphere when the sun sets. Built between the cliffs and reached only by an elevator, at Caniço you can enjoy regular live music, DJ sets, cocktails, and dancing on the beach.

If you like the sound of spending the evening by the beach, NoSoloÁgua in Portimão is for you. Set on the marina at the sea’s edge, this popular beach bar has sun loungers, food, and a pool to use during the day before the live music sets and drinks flow in the evening. You can overlook the beach at the bar in the Bela Vista hotel too. This is one of the oldest bars in the Algarve and is built on the cliffs of Praia da Rocha, the terrace offers scenic views as you sip a range of cocktails.

You’ll find lots of bars on the waterfront at some of the Algarve’s fishing ports, such as Lagos and Ferragudo. Pull up a chair in one of these spots, where you can enjoy a drink against the backdrop of cobblestone streets and fishing boats, with a sunset on the horizon. Prefer to spend your evening listening to the smooth sound of jazz? Visit the warm and welcoming Stevie Ray’s Blues Jazz Bar in Lagos on a Friday or Saturday to listen to live blues and jazz, where you’ll be able to drink and relax.

Clubs

Lively teenagers, late-night ravers and avid club-goers usually hit the popular dance spots in Almancil, Albufeira and Vilamoura, where you’ll find some of the best clubs in the Algarve.

When it comes to clubbing, Albufeira’s where it’s at. The heart of Albufeira’s nightlife may be the strip of bars, restaurants, and clubs in the Montechoro area of town, but it’s actually several miles out of town where you’ll find its best-known club. With space for over 7,000 clubbers over its five dance floors, the massive Kadoc club regularly attracts well-known DJs.

Albufeira isn’t the only place in the Algarve with clubs open until late and playing pumping music. The industrial-style Katedral club in Praia da Rocha only opens at 1am, and is the place to go if you’re not quite ready for bed after visiting the nearby bars. Lagos’ Grand Café club is centrally located and loved by hipsters for its three bars and kitsch interior of gold leaf, red velvet and cherubs.